Preliminary ecological appraisal
Gleadless Key Bus Route
Blackstock Road proposed widening and bus lane
Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
October 2014
Author: Chris Smith (Casual Ecology Assistant)
Surveyors: Chris Smith
Angus Hunter (Community Forestry Development Officer & Ecologist)
Bat surveyor: Martin Nowacki MCIEEM, Natural England Bat Licence 2014-3332-CLS
Executive summary
Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit was commissioned to undertake a Preliminary Ecological
Appraisal of works proposed under the Gleadless Key Bus Route (KBR) scheme. Part of
this scheme comprises the widening of a section of Blackstock Road and the addition of a
new bus lane at the junction with Gleadless Road, necessitating the loss of grass verge, a
small expanse of amenity grassland and several mature and semi-mature trees and shrubs.
The appraisal relates to scheme design drawing TM-LT109-P3 REV A and topographical
map TM-LT109-P3 TOPO.
Two site visits were made on the 11th and 17th September 2014 to assess ecological interest
and likely impacts on species or habitats identified or potentially present on site. A
preliminary assessment was made of the trees on site to evaluate potential for bats.
The site was judged to be of medium ecological interest generally, but contains some
significant features in the form of a relict orchard dated at between 60-100 years old and a
number of mature trees, including a locally rare holm oak (Quercus ilex). Faunal interest
comprised a number of locally common invertebrates and bird species, with one mammal
record.
The habitats found on site comprise elements of habitats of priority or principal importance
as defined by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act Section 41,
these being wood-pasture and parkland and traditional orchard. These are habitats
highlighted as conservation priorities and as such every opportunity should be taken to
minimise loss and wherever possible make enhancements that benefit biodiversity.
Initial scoping for bats graded the trees potentially affected by the works as borderline
Category 1/ Category 2, as defined by the Bat Conservation trust (BCT) guidelines. One
tree is likely to be felled as part of the works (a large sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus) and it
is recommended that a further inspection by a licensed bat worker is conducted before any
work commences. If bats are present the tree can only be felled under a European
Protected Species (EPS) License.
Care should be exercised to minimise damage to the orchard trees and any other specimens
next to the route of the proposed bus lane. Enhancements should be made where possible
and these could include sensitive and appropriate planting of native British species, bird and
bat boxes and using felled wood to create deadwood habitat. Overall, the enhancements
should aim to contribute a net improvement for wildlife on this site.
Amendment
Subject to further survey by an ecologist holding a Natural England Bat Licence (No: 20143332-CLS), the trees were assessed and graded for bat potential (See Appendix 9.3). The
sycamore is graded as Category 2 as it is a mature tree, but has very limited features that
could offer roost potential. The tree may be felled taking reasonable avoidance measures.
Stop works and seek advice in the event bats are found, in order to comply with relevant
legislation.
Preliminary ecological appraisal
Gleadless Key Bus Route
Blackstock Road proposed widening and bus lane
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2
2.0 Site description
2
3.0 Legislation
3.1 Protected species legislation
3.2 Legislation with regard to wild birds
3.3 Survey guidelines
3.4 Bat surveying and Bat Conservation Trust Guidelines
3
3
3
4
5
4.0 Methodologies
4.1 Desk study
4.2 Field surveys
6
6
6
5.0 Constraints
7
6.0 Results
6.1 Desk study
6.2 Data search
6.3 Field surveys
6.4 Habitat map
6.5 Target notes
8
8
8
9
10
11
7.0 Discussion and conclusions
12
8.0 Mitigation and enhancement
8.2 Further survey recommendations
13
13
9.0 Appendices
9.1 Species list
9.2 Survey design drawing TM-LT109-P3 REV A
9.3 Bat survey
9.4 References
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
14
16
17
18
1
1.0 Introduction
1.1
A need has been identified to undertake various highway improvements to an area
around the junction of Blackstock Road with Gleadless Road to help reduce delays to buses
and improve service reliability. The measures include the proposed widening of a stretch of
Blackstock Road on its eastern side between its junctions with Plowright Mount and
Gleadless Road and a new length of bus-only road across an area of partly wooded public
open space. The works will necessitate the loss of grass verge, a small area of amenity
grassland and several mature and semi-mature trees and shrubs.
1.2
This preliminary appraisal aims to evaluate the potential ecological impact of the
scheme through an assessment of the habitats and species present and any possible
consequences of the works that are proposed. In particular, the study will seek to identify
the presence of UK and local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species and habitats. All
current legislation and policy will be specified where relevant and recommendations and
enhancements will be suggested in mitigation. Ecological methodologies will be explained
clearly, highlighting any constraints or need for further survey.
2.0 Site description
2.1
The area surveyed comprises 2 small pockets of public green space located in a
generally urban setting, but also in close proximity (< 1600m) to numerous expanses of
ancient broadleaved woodland. To the east of Blackstock road is a very small area (approx.
0.2 ha) of regularly managed urban parkland, dominated by a small grouping of around 7
veteran fruit trees (mostly Malus sp and Pyrus sp) comprising a relict orchard. Anecdotal
evidence suggests this is Victorian, but the earliest OS map upon which the orchard can be
clearly identified is 1951. To the west of Blackstock Road is a slightly larger area (approx.
0.7 ha) of urban parkland dominated by large mature trees and a few smaller shrub species.
The wooded area clearly shows up on the 1875 - 95 OS map (more or less in its current
shape), giving an indication of possible age for some of these trees.
Fig. 1 Aerial view of the junction of Gleadless Road and
Blackstock Road. The area surveyed comprises the top
left corner of the photograph.
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
2
3.0 Legislation and policy
3.0.1 The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act came into force on 1st
Oct 2006. Section 40 of the Act requires all public bodies to have regard to biodiversity
conservation when carrying out their functions. This is commonly referred to as the
‘Biodiversity duty’.
3.0.2 Section 41 of the NERC Act comprises a list of species and habitats of principal
importance which should be high on the list of material considerations in any proposed
development. These are all the habitats in England that were identified as requiring action in
the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) and continue to be regarded as conservation
priorities in the subsequent UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. The UK BAP and Local
Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) will still be referred to in this text.
3.0.3
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states:

The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local
environment by minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains for
biodiversity where possible, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the
overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks
that are more resilient to current and future pressures.

To minimise impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity, planning policies should
promote the preservation, restoration and re-creation of priority habitats, ecological
networks and the protection and recovery of priority species populations, linked to
national and local targets, and identify suitable indicators for monitoring biodiversity
in the plan.
3.0.4 The client needs to determine whether planning permission is required in this instance.
3.0.5
It is understood that works will be carried out under the Highways Act 1980.
3.0.6 The principal design document for the layout of roads is the Design Manual for
Roads and Bridges (DMRB). The DMRB was introduced in 1992 in England and Wales, and
subsequently in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It provides a comprehensive manual system
which accommodates all current standards, advice notes and other published documents
relating to the design, assessment and operation of trunk roads (including motorways).
Although the DMRB sets a standard of good practice for Trunk Roads it may be applicable to
other roads with similar characteristics. Specifically:
Where it is used for local road schemes, it is for the local highway authority to decide
on the extent to which the documents in the manual are appropriate in any particular
situation.
While the requirements given in the DMRB may be used by local highway/road
authorities, such authorities should ensure that their application to local road
schemes does not compromise health and safety, result in poor value for money, or
have an unacceptable impact on the environment.
3.0.7 Within the DMRB document there is a specific section on Nature Conservation and
Biodiversity. Addressing the principles of how nature conservation and biodiversity issues
should be treated within the design and construction of road infrastructure projects, and their
post-completion management is dealt with in Mitigation and Enhancement section of this
report.
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
3
3.1 Protected species legislation
3.1.1 All UK bats are protected under Regulation 41 of the Conservation of Habitats and
Species Regulation 2010 and Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as
amended. Under these legislative measures it is an offence to recklessly kill or injure bats. It
is also an offence to disturb bats or to destroy or obstruct a roost even if the roost is at the
time unoccupied.
3.1.2 Where bats are found on a potential development site a licence from Natural England
may be needed to carry out proposed works where these may cause an offence under
relevant legislation. Natural England issue European Protected Species licences. In the
instance that planning permission is required before planning approval can be granted LPA’s
must be satisfied with the level of survey and methods used to ensure they fulfil their
obligations under Regulation 9(5) of the Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. These can
only be issued where full planning permission has been granted. The presence/absence of
protected species is a material consideration in the assessment of planning applications.
3.2 Legislation with regard to wild birds
3.2.1 The primary legislation protecting wild birds in England and Wales is the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981 (subject to a number of amendments, including the Countryside and
Rights of Way Act 2000 and the NERC Act 2006). The basic principle of this Act is that all
wild birds, their nests, and eggs are protected by law and some rare species are afforded
additional protection from disturbance during the breeding season.
3.2.2 Because of the wide variety of habitats used by birds, surveys for birds may be
necessary in urban and suburban areas as well as rural situations. The requirement to
undertake detailed surveys for breeding birds should be determined on a case-by-case
basis. However, avoidance measures built into development proposals may remove the
need for detailed survey work and similarly, mitigation measures built into proposals may
also reduce the amount of survey work required (including survey effort and spatial extent),
though there must still be sufficient information supplied to understand the nature of impacts
and their likely effect on the conservation status of the species concerned.
3.3 Survey guidelines
This survey was carried out following the guidance set out by the Institute of Ecology and
Environmental Management, ‘Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal’ (2012).
Survey methodologies followed those set out in the Joint Nature Conservation Committee
(JNCC), ‘Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey’ (2010) and the ‘Hedgerow Survey
Handbook’, Defra (2007)
Preliminary scoping for bats followed guidelines set out in Natural England’ ‘Bat habitat
assessment prior to arboricultural operations’ (2010) and the ‘Bat surveys Good Practice
Guidelines’ 2nd Edition (2012), published by the Bat Conservation Trust.
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
4
3.4
Bat surveying and Bat Conservation Trust Guidelines
Scoping for possible bat presence involved ground level visual inspection of the trees for any
cracks or crevices in which bats could roost. Using the aforementioned Natural England and
BCT guidelines, these observations give a score which is used to inform decision making on
further surveying. This might include an aerial inspection (using rope access) or dawn and
dusk emergence surveys carried out by a licensed bat worker or ecologist.
Table 1. Protocol for visual inspection of trees due to be affected by arboricultural work, to assess the value
of the trees to bats. (Bat Conservation Trust, 2012).
Tree category and
description
Known or confirmed
roost
Stage 1
Initial survey
requirements
Stage 2
Further measures to
inform proposed
mitigation
Follow SNCO guidance and these guidelines wherever
possible, to establish the extent to which bats use the site.
This is particularly important for roosts of high risk species
and/or roosts of district or higher importance and above
Category 1*
Trees with multiple,
highly suitable features
capable of supporting
larger roosts
Tree identified on a map
and on the ground. Further
assessment to provide a
best expert judgement on
the likely use of the roost,
numbers and species of bat,
by analysis of droppings or
other field evidence.
A consultant ecologist is
required
Category 1
Trees with definite bat
potential, supporting
fewer suitable features
that category 1* trees or
with potential for use by
single bats
Tree identified on a map
and on the ground. Further
assessed to provide a best
expert judgement on the
potential use of suitable
cavities, based on the
habitat preferences of bats.
A consultant ecologist
required
Category 2
Trees with no obvious
potential, although the
tree is of a size and age
that elevated surveys
may result in cracks or
crevices being found; or
the tree supports some
features which may have
limited potential to
support bats.
Category 3
Trees with no potential to
support bats
None.
A consultant ecologist is
unlikely to be required
None.
A consultant ecologist is
not required unless new
evidence is found
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
Avoid disturbance to trees,
where possible.
Further dusk and predawn survey to establish
more accurately the
presence,
species, numbers of bats
present and the type of
roost, and to inform the
requirements for mitigation
if felling is required.
Avoid disturbance to trees,
where possible.
More detailed, off the
ground visual assessment.
Further dusk and predawn
survey to establish the
presence of bats, and if
present, the species and
numbers of bats and type
of roost, to inform the
requirements for mitigation
if felling is required.
Avoid disturbance to trees,
where possible.
No further surveys.
None.
Stage 3
Likely mitigation
The tree can be felled
only under EPS licence
following the
installation
of equivalent habitats
as a replacement.
Felling would be
undertaken taking
reasonable avoidance
measures such as ‘soft
felling’ to minimise the
risk of harm to
individual bats.
Trees with confirmed
roosts following further
survey are upgraded to
Category 1* and felled
under licence as
above.
Trees with no
confirmed
roosts may be
downgraded to
Category
2 dependent on survey
findings
Trees may be felled
taking reasonable
avoidance measures.
Stop works and seek
advice in the event bats
are found, in order to
comply with relevant
legislation.
No mitigation for bats
required.
5
4.0 Methodologies
4.1 Desk study and data search
4.1.1 A desk study was conducted to gather existing ecological data about the site. This
included a search of all records of flora and fauna held on the Sheffield Biological Records
Centre database recorded within 500m of a site centroid point. Particular emphasis is
placed on records of protected, species of principal importance (NERC Act Section 41) or
‘notable’ species1. Consideration will also be given to proximity to other local wildlife
habitats, particularly those designated as Local Wildlife Sites and/or Local Nature Reserves.
4.1.2 Use was made of aerial photography and historical Ordnance Survey maps in
helping to further define the character of the survey area.
4.2 Field surveys
4.2.1 Two ‘walk-over’ site visits were made in mid-September 2014 to gather field data on
all aspects of the ecology of the site.
11.9.2014 - First site visit to gather floristic and faunal data using JNCC Phase 1
methodologies.
17.9.2014 - Site visit with Sheffield City Council Trees & Woodland Tree Manager to
assess arboricultural impact of the proposed scheme. See separate report.
4.2.2 Field survey results are presented in the form of a Phase 1 style habitat map with
accompanying ‘target notes’ detailing points of interest and a comprehensive list of all
species (Appendix 9.1) currently recorded on site and any protected, priority or notable
species from historical records.
4.2.3 Due to the size and age of some of the trees within the proposed scheme area and
the necessity for specimens to be felled for the bus lane, a separate arboricultural report
covers this aspect of the site ecology.
1
Nationally Scarce (also termed Nationally Notable) relates to species which are found in between 16 and 100
hectads. This category is subdivided into Nationally Scarce (Nationally Notable) A — species found in 16 to 30
hectads, and Nationally Scarce (Nationally Notable) B - species found in between 31 and 100 hectads. It is a
measure of relative rarity as defined by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
6
5.0 Constraints
5.1
Habitat surveying is normally conducted earlier in the year. This maximises the
potential to record plants that flower during the spring and summer months and observe
invertebrates, amphibians, birds and mammals, many of which flourish during this time. The
optimal time for conducting woodland surveys is during April, May and June; grasslands are
surveyed during June and July. Conducting a botanical survey in September, whilst
acceptable, many result in some species of spring and early summer going unrecorded.
Regular mowing of amenity grassland and parkland often makes identification of grass
species difficult. This site had been recently mown and the sward cut very short.
5.2
Bats can generally be surveyed throughout the year, although differing methods are
used depending on whether the surveyor is looking for active bats or their roost sites.
September is late in the year for bat detector surveys, but still acceptable for tree
inspections, these are often carried out between December and March (Bat Conservation
Trust, 2012)
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
7
6.0 Results
6.1 Desk study
6.1.1 Analysis of Ordnance Survey maps (1875 - 95, 1948 and 1951 editions) suggests
that the wooded area to the west of Blackstock Road (though which the proposed bus lane
passes) has existed since Victorian times. The mature specimens present may represent
former wood pasture or have been part of a larger expanse of woodland. The smaller area
to the east of Blackstock Road has likely been heavily landscaped and re-seeded during the
development of the Gleadless Valley, but the presence of veteran orchard trees again, give
an indication of historical use.
6.1.2 Using a site centroid point (SK 366 844), distances were calculated to nearby woods
and green spaces. Ten substantial sites lie within 2km, forming a broad mosaic of grassland
and ancient woodland habitat in this generally densely populated part of south Sheffield.
These are:
Hang Bank Wood (part of site 141)
Buck Wood (site 143)
Carr Wood (part of site 141)
Gleadless Valley Grasslands (site 142)
Leeshall Wood (site 141)
Coneygree Wood (part of site 141)
Rollestone Wood (site 145)
Ashes Wood (part of site 141)
Herdings Wood (part of sites 145/142)
The Lumb (part of sites 145/142)
Distance from site
276m
365m
516m
570m
968m
974m
1060m
1300m
1560m
1600m
6.1.3 Four of these sites are Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) that are also afforded the
designation of Local Nature Reserve (LNR) due to their high biodiversity value. These are:
Site number
141
142
143
145
Gleadless Valley: Leeshall Wood
Gleadless Valley: Grasslands
Gleadless Valley: Buck Wood
Gleadless Valley: Rollestone Wood
6.2 Data search
6.2.1 The data search of Sheffield’s Biological Records Centre (SBRC) database yielded
308 records of plant, fungi, bird, mammal and amphibian within a 500m radius. Priority
species as defined by the UK BAP and NERC Act Section 41 and found within this search
area are listed below:
Priority species
Mammals Brown hare Lepus europaeus
Non-descript bat
Birds
Dunnock Prunella modularis
Herring gull Larus argentatus
House sparrow Passer domesticus
Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Willow tit Poecile montanus
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
Date
Notes
1.1.1976
1.4.2004
Trapped in lead flashing
1987/ 1993
1.1.1987
1987/1993
1987/1993
30.3.2011
8
6.3 Field surveys
6.3.1 11.9.2014 - Conditions were fine and dry, 18°C. All aspects of the site ecology
recorded, including trees, ground flora, invertebrates, birds and mammals. An initial groundlevel inspection was made of the trunk and limbs of the mature trees for cracks and crevices
that could potentially provide roosting habitat for bats. Most trees were assessed to have
low bat potential, however the mature specimens of beech, sweet chestnut, lime and
sycamore were difficult to assess from the ground and, due to the presence of dead limbs
and cracks were judged to be of medium potential (using Natural England assessment
methods). Under the Bat Conservation Trust guidelines these observations would rate as
borderline Category 1 and Category 2, indicating a possible need for further inspection
higher in the canopy. Further inspection is recommended to fully comply with BCT
guidelines and this is particularly relevant to the mature sycamore if this tree is to be felled or
thinned in any way (See Appendix 9.3).
6.3.2 Faunal interest was limited to a small number of invertebrate and bird observations,
with 1 mammal observation (grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis). Trees of this age and size
harbour plenty of potential for nesting and it is anticipated that any works would need to be
sensitive to [nesting] birds.
6.4 NERC Act Section 41 habitats and species
Based on the findings of the desk study, historical records and field observations, the survey
area contains elements of two Section 41 Habitats of Principle Importance in England traditional orchard and wood-pasture and parkland and herein four [historical] records of
Section 41 species relevant to these kind of habitats: house sparrow, dunnock, starling and
[un-identified] bat. As such, these habitats and species should be given priority when
implementing NERC Section 40 duty and should be an important consideration in the design
and mitigation measures of this scheme.
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
9
6.5 Habitat map
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
10
6.6 Target Notes
1. Relict orchard comprising 7 veteran trees of mostly apple (Malus domestica) and pear
(Pyrus sp), with one specimen of rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and one honey locust (Gleditsia
triacanthos). The orchard trees are estimated at between 60 -100 years old.
Surrounding grassed area is generally unremarkable, dominated by meadow-grass (Poa sp)
and containing a variety of common grassland species.
2. The honey locust is a deciduous tree native to central North America. They can grow to a
height of 20-30m with fast growth, but are relatively short lived at around 120 years. This
specimen is an inappropriate planting for this setting and should be removed.
3. Pear tree. This specimen is likely to be of a similar age to the other orchard trees, but is
the closest to the proposed works. Every care should be taken to avoid damage to its root
system.
4. Ash (Fraxinus excelsior). This is a mature tree that will likely be removed as part of the
proposed works. Please refer to separate arboricultural report for further advice.
5. Holm oak (Quercus ilex). This is an evergreen broadleaf tree native to the Mediterranean
region and introduced to Britain in the late 1500s. This is a rare tree for the Sheffield area,
SBRC holding records of 8 specimens. Every care should be taken to avoid damage to this
tree, again, refer to the arboricultural report.
6. Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). This is a non-native evergreen species of cherry
often planted to provide screening. There are no impediments to this being removed.
7. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). This is a substantial and aged specimen and
consideration should be given to retain it if possible. Hawthorn provides a rich habitat for
wildlife providing food for over 150 invertebrate species and birds such as the blackbird,
thrushes, chaffinch and starling.
Surrounding ground flora was considered generally unremarkable at this time of year.
8. Ash and wych elm (Ulmus glabra), both of which stand to be removed.
arboricultural report.
Refer to
9. Holly (Ilex aquifolium). This is a large and aged specimen and care should be taken to
avoid damage. Holly provides an important food source for many bird species such as the
blackbird, thrushes and redwing. Other birds, such as robin, dunnock, finches and goldcrest
use it for nesting as it provides excellent protection. In close proximity is a large stand of
wild cherry (Prunus avium), much of which appears to be sucker re-growth.
Also, proximate mature specimens of lime (Tilia x europaea), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and
sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa). Of these species, lime attracts a huge number of
invertebrates looking for nectar during the summer months, particularly bees.
10. Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus). Mature specimen likely to have a substantial root
system and possibly affected by proposed bus lane. See arboricultural report.
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
11
7.0 Discussion and conclusions
7.1
In general, this is a small site with a medium level of ecological interest based on the
site observations. The grassed areas contain a variety of common species, all of which will
be kept in check by the current regime of regular and close mowing. Of interest are the
mature and veteran trees which provide valuable habitat to invertebrates, birds and small
mammals. Trees are categorised as ‘veteran’ due to both size and various physical features
such as spreading crowns and thick boughs that are exposed or semi-exposed to sunlight.
Valuable resources in these trees include bark crevices, dead bough ends and heart rot.
Many species of invertebrates require small cavities, so the trees do not necessarily have to
be ancient to be of importance. Veteran trees and relict orchard trees are a local and
national priority habitat as defined by the UK BAP and the NERC Act Section 41. In this
setting they are likely remnants of former woodland or wood pasture and traditional orchard
and as such are of conservation significance. Ecological impact on this area, whilst
potentially quite small, should be kept to an absolute minimum and offset by enhancements
elsewhere on site in line with the requirements of the NPPF if planning permission is
required – to preserve, restore and re-create priority habitats and ecological networks.
7.2
Whilst faunal interest was limited, the species recorded indicate how a small green
space such as this forms an important part of the wider matrix of habitats in this part of
Sheffield. The trees on site will potentially provide feeding and nesting opportunity for birds
and observations suggest that the mature trees may harbour some potential to support bats.
With regard to other priority groups, the site is judged to have low potential for reptiles and
no current potential for amphibians.
7.3
Conservation of biodiversity is increasingly embracing a ‘mosaic’ approach, as
described in the UK Governments Biodiversity 2020 strategy. Many highly mobile terrestrial
species such as birds and mammals require a large-scale mosaic of priority and non-priority
habitats. They require some types of habitat to breed, nest or roost in and others in which to
feed or forage. Some species require physical links between habitats, so connecting
corridors and networks will be of benefit. For others, the closer that sites are together the
better it is for dispersal; this applies also to many species living in a small-scale mosaic.
Conservation in Sheffield is increasingly embracing this approach - seeking to improve the
wildlife potential of many small sites, to serve as ‘islands’ linking up larger habitats such as
woodland, grassland and heathland, especially those designated as Local Wildlife Sites or
Local Nature Reserves. The importance of these [small sites] should not be overlooked and
where possible measures taken to mitigate against the works that are proposed.
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
12
8.0 Mitigation and enhancement
8.1
If the Blackstock Road bus lane and road widening scheme is to proceed, a number
of measures are proposed for both mitigation and enhancement of wildlife opportunities.
These should contribute an overall net improvement to the site ecology when the works are
completed.

Tree works - felling, ground excavation or removal of tree limbs should closely follow
the advice set out in the arboricultural report minimising damage to remaining trees
and their root systems.

The bus lane could be redesigned to minimise land take, avoiding the holm oak and
possibly the sycamore.

Planting of replacement trees and/or shrubs should occur and this must be relevant
to setting i.e. fruit trees in the orchard area and native British species in the wooded
area.

The honey locust should be removed and replaced with a native fruit tree.

A change in grass-cutting management to a more ecologically sensitive regime,
therefore encouraging greater grassland diversity.

Bird boxes could be installed in some of the mature trees. Data search results and
the Sheffield Bird Atlas would be used to inform this.

Bat boxes could be installed in some of the mature trees if deemed appropriate for
this site.

Some felled wood could be left on site, providing valuable deadwood habitat for
invertebrates.
8.2 Further survey recommendations
It is recommended that a further inspection by a licensed bat worker or ecologist is
conducted of the sycamore to check for cracks and crevices that may provide roosting
potential for bats. If the tree is deemed to have limited potential to support bats and no
confirmed roosts it may be downgraded to Category 2 (as per BCT guidelines) and felled if
necessary. In the event that bats are confirmed, the tree is upgraded to category 1* and all
works should cease in order to comply with relevant legislation. A category 1* tree can only
be felled under a European Protected Species (EPS) license and following the installation of
equivalent habitats as a replacement.
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
13
9.0 Appendices
9.1 Species list
Trees
Common name
Apple
Latin Name
Malus sp
Ash
Beech
Cherry
Cherry laurel
Elder
Hawthorn
Holly
Holm oak
Fraxinus excelsior
Fagus sylvatica
Prunus avium
Prunus laurocerasus
Sambucus nigra
Crataegus monogyna
Ilex aquifolium
Quercus ilex
Honey locust
Gleditsia triacanthos
Common lime
Pear
Tilia x europaea
Pyrus sp
Rowan
Sycamore
Sweet chestnut
Wych elm
Sorbus aucuparia
Acer pseudoplatanus
Castanea sativa
Ulmus glabra
Notes
3 Veteran orchard trees.
(National and Local BAP
habitat).
Mature specimen
Sucker regrowth
Mature specimen
Veteran coppiced tree
Sucker re-growth
Mature specimen - some rot
holes in main trunk. Locally rare
species.
Inappropriate non-native
planting for a Veteran orchard
and BAP habitat.
Mature specimen
3 Veteran orchard trees.
(National and Local BAP
habitat).
Mature specimen
Mature specimen
Sucker re-growth
Herbaceous Plants
Black medick
Bramble
Creeping buttercup
Chickweed
White clover
Cow parsley
Daisy
Dandelion
Broad leaf dock
Groundsel
Hawkweed sp
Ivy
Common knotgrass
Annual meadow-grass
Nettle
Pineapple weed
Greater plantain
Ribwort plantain
Ragwort
Shepherds purse
Thyme-leaved speedwell
Wood avens
Yarrow
Medicago lupulina
Rubus fruticosus agg
Ranunculus repens
Stellaria media
Trifolium repens
Anthriscus sylvestris
Bellis perennis
Taraxacum officinale agg
Rumex obtusifolius
Senecio vulgaris
Hieracium sp
Hedera helix
Polygonum aviculare
Poa annua
Urtica dioica
Matricaria discoidea
Plantago major
Plantago lanceolata
Jacobaea vulgaris
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Veronica serpyllifolia
Geum urbanum
Achillea millefolium
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
14
Fungi and lichen
Fibrecap
Lichen
Sycamore tar spot
Inocybe sp
Xanthoria parietina
Rhytisma acerinum
Invertebrates
Crane fly
Drone fly
Hoverfly
Sac spider
Wasp
Tipulidae
Eristalis sp
Syrphidae
Clubionidae
Vespa vulgaris
Birds and mammals
Magpie
Feral pigeon
Wood pigeon
Grey squirrel
Pica pica
Columba livia domestica
Columba palumbus
Sciurus carolinensis
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
15
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
16
9.2 Survey design document TM-LT109-P3 REV A
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
17
9.3 Report on the potential for bat roost of trees associated with the Gleadless KBR
Introduction
A planned road improvement scheme on Gleadless Road from the Blackstock Road area
down to the junction with Myrtle Road will require some widening of the carriageway. This
will impact upon trees on the side of the road to varying degrees with some required to be
felled, others having crown reductions. The legal protection given to bats has meant that the
Highway Authority has required an assessment of the trees which may be affected to ensure
that bats or their roosts are not impacted. Therefore a survey was commissioned to assess
the potential for bat roosts of all trees that could be affected by the planned improvement
works.
Legislation
All British bats are listed under Annex IV of the EC Directive 92/43/EEC ‘The Conservation
of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora’, the Habitats Directive. They are protected
under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (which transpose the EU
Habitats Directive into UK law) as ‘European Protected Species’.
It is illegal under this regulation to: •
•
•
deliberately capture or kill a wild animal of a European protected species;
deliberately disturb any such animal;
damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such an animal.
Bats are also afforded full legal protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside
Act (1981) and subsequent amendments i.e. Countryside and Rights of Way (Crow) Act
2000. Under the provisions of Section 9 it is an offence for anyone without a licence to:
•
intentionally kill, injure or take a species of bat;
•
recklessly or intentionally damage or obstruct access to, or destroy any place of
shelter, or protection, or disturb any animal, whilst they are occupying such a place of shelter
or protection;
•
possess or control any live or dead specimen or anything derived from a bat.
Once a bat roost is confirmed the above legislation and regulations apply whether bats are
physically present or not.
The assessments
The assessments were carried out by out by experienced ecologist Martin Nowacki MCIEEM
who holds a Natural England Bat Survey Level 2 Class Licence 2014-3332-CLS.
Assessments used the BCT Best Practice Guidance 2012 (Hundt L, BCT, 2012) for the
categorisation of trees for bat roost potential.
Gleadless Road, Blackstock Road junction. A sycamore (Acer Pseudoplatanus) that had
been subject to previous assessments was assessed as being Category 2 as it is a mature
tree but has very limited features that could offer roost potential. There are some small
cavities but these are generally upward pointing and of a shallow depth that would offer no
protection for roosting bats. Ivy growth on the trees is limited and not substantial enough to
provide roosting opportunities.
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
18
9.4 References
Defra (2007) Hedgerow Survey Handbook. A standard procedure for local surveys in the UK.
Hundt, L. (2012) Bat Surveys Good Practice Guidelines, 2nd Edition, Bat Conservation Trust
Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2012) Guidelines for Preliminary
Ecological Appraisal
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010) Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey, A
technique for environmental audit
Natural England (2010) Bat habitat assessment prior to arboricultural operations, Guidance
for Natural England’s National Nature Reserves
Chris Smith, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit
19